We recommend: Stay away from PVC or Vinyl shower curtain liners.
The best fabrics for shower curtains include polyester, cotton, and linen. Polyester is durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice.
Obviously, stay away from plastic shower curtains, including plastic-derived fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and microfiber. These synthetics can cause as much environmental damage as vinyl, especially when laundered.
The best eco-friendly, non-toxic shower curtains and liners are made of natural fabrics, such as hemp, linen, and cotton (preferably organic). Both hemp and linen have antibacterial properties and are machine-washable and very durable.
Polyester and nylon are synthetic materials made from oil-byproducts. They are typically treated with chemical (synthetic) dyes and finishes. Compared to vinyl shower curtains, polyester and nylon are better alternatives, but they may not be as nontoxic as 100% organic cotton and hemp.
Polyester is more durable while microfiber is more absorbent, breathable, and more comfortable. Both are easy to care for.
PEVA is a top choice due to its non-toxic, waterproof, and mold-resistant properties. While polyester and fabric liners offer aesthetic appeal and easy maintenance, PEVA provides superior water containment and health benefits.
Microfiber. Softer option than plastic shower curtains yet still good at repelling moisture. Durable, long-lasting quality, and easily washable. Good option for protecting against mold and mildew growth.
Glass or acrylic shower screens
Generally made from safe and resistant tempered glass, they can withstand blows and sudden changes in temperature. The transparent glass or acrylic allows the light to pass through naturally, helping to create a brighter, more open overall look.
Grab a suction cup and binder clip.
You can get packs of suction cups at home improvement stores. Now, clip binder clips to the shower curtain, close to the suction cup. After you get in the shower, force the wire loop on the binder clip around the nub on the suction cup to secure the curtain.
After a shower, you should close the shower curtain to allow it to dry more effectively.
PEVA & EVA Shower Liners
Chlorine is one of the main reasons why PVC liners emit such a terrible smell, so having a chlorine-free liner is certainly preferable for your health. You won't have to worry about any noxious fumes off-gassing from a PEVA or EVA liner.
While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.
Durability. Compared to glass shower doors, shower curtains may not be as durable. Over time, they can wear out, tear, or develop mildew stains. This means you may need to replace the curtains time and again, especially if you choose lower quality or less expensive options.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to shower curtains, from glass shower enclosures to bath screens and shower blinds. Discover six of the best ideas here to find the right option for your bathroom.
Lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, and some poly blends are great for bathroom curtains because they dry quickly and can be machine-washed when necessary.
However, some of the most common fabrics to choose from are vinyl or cotton. If you are looking to dress up your bathroom decor, a soft cotton fabric curtain may be the best option for you. There curtains are easy to maintain, versatile, and pair perfectly with a vinyl lining.
The best healthy shower curtains are those made of 100% GOTS-certified organic or 100% OEKO-TEX-certified linen. If you're not dead-set on an organic shower curtain liner, they also have 100% cotton ones sourced through their BCI cotton partnership.
Although a shower screen is a slightly more expensive option, it will last much longer than shower curtains and look infinitely classier. A bath screen is much more effective at keeping water within the area it's supposed to and avoiding creating that frustrating puddle on the floor or soaking your bath mat.
Nylon Canvas (Pack Cloth)
These cloth alternatives to vinyl and plastic shower curtains do a very good job at channeling water downwards through the fabric into the tub. The dense fabrics stop water from spraying outside of the shower without the use of a liner.
Shower curtains typically hang outside of the bathtub and are used for privacy and style. They're often made of fabric that absorbs (rather than repels) water, meaning they're not waterproof and take longer to dry. Shower liners protect your bathroom and stop water in its tracks.
However, despite PEVA's good reputation, a recent study using worms as the test species has found PEVA to be toxic to some living organisms. If that worries you, I would suggest looking to silicone options from Stasher or Zip Top instead.
You will, most likely, only need a liner if you have a cotton shower curtain, as cotton absorbs moisture more than the other materials mentioned. Most liners are made out of vinyl which naturally repels water. Weighted liners are also good to have, as they stay in place more easily.